Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria’s democratic system is yet to match the efficiency and governance standards seen in countries like China and Dubai.
Jonathan made the remarks in Abuja during a democracy dialogue organised by his foundation, where he called for a stronger connection between democratic governance and economic development.
Reflecting on global governance systems, the former president noted that some non-democratic nations have achieved significant progress, raising questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current democratic model. He pointed to places like Dubai, where governance structures, despite not being fully democratic, have delivered notable development outcomes.
He also highlighted China’s governance approach, describing its leadership recruitment process as highly selective and quality-driven. According to him, the system combines both selection and election, ensuring that only competent individuals rise to key leadership positions.
“Can we truly say that our democracy is close to that?” Jonathan queried, stressing the need for introspection within Nigeria’s political system.
Despite the comparison, Jonathan maintained that democracy remains valuable due to its core principles of freedom and justice. He warned, however, that when democratic systems fail to deliver economic growth and improved living conditions, they risk losing legitimacy among citizens.
The former president urged policymakers to go beyond conducting elections and focus on building transparent institutions and implementing sound economic policies that can drive sustainable development.
He added that Nigeria must not choose between democracy and development but instead ensure that both work hand in hand to deliver prosperity, accountability, and inclusive growth.
